Popular Homeschool Language Arts Curricula: Compare Reading, Writing & Grammar Options
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Choosing a homeschool Language Arts program can feel overwhelming! Some focus on reading and phonics, others emphasize grammar and writing, and a few aim to cover everything. Below you’ll find an overview of the most popular homeschool Language Arts programs, what each one includes, the ages they’re best for, and whether they’re religious or secular.
Essentials in Writing (EIW)
Ages/Grades: Grades 1–12
Covers: Writing, grammar, and mechanics
May Need to Add: Reading or literature studies (unless paired with Essentials in Literature)
Format: Video-based lessons with printable or workbook assignments
Religious/Worldview: Secular
Essentials in Writing focuses on teaching kids how to write clearly and confidently. The video lessons explain grammar and writing concepts step-by-step, allowing students to work mostly independently. Parents often pair it with a separate reading or literature program to complete their language arts.
My Father’s World
Ages/Grades: Preschool through 12th grade (integrated by core levels)
Covers: Reading, phonics, handwriting, grammar, writing (integrated into units)
May Need to Add: Additional writing or grammar in upper grades
Format: Print-based, hands-on unit studies with read-alouds and workbook pages
Religious/Worldview: Christian
My Father’s World integrates language arts into its themed unit studies, especially in the early years. Students learn phonics, handwriting, and grammar through reading and writing about science, history, and Bible stories. In later grades, families sometimes add more advanced writing or grammar resources.
Abeka Language Arts
Ages/Grades: Kindergarten through 12th grade
Covers: Reading, phonics, grammar, writing, spelling, and vocabulary
May Need to Add: Optional creative writing or literature enrichment
Format: Traditional textbook and workbook style; optional video lessons through Abeka Academy
Religious/Worldview: Christian
Abeka offers one of the most comprehensive language arts programs available for homeschoolers. It’s structured, rigorous, and follows a traditional school model. The program moves sequentially through grammar, writing, and spelling while reinforcing phonics and reading comprehension.
The Good and the Beautiful (Language Arts & Literature)
Ages/Grades: Levels K–High School
Covers: Reading, writing, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary
May Need to Add: Usually complete for elementary; optional advanced writing supplements in upper grades
Format: Open-and-go workbooks with optional video lessons
Religious/Worldview: Christian
This program integrates faith, art, and wholesome literature into a streamlined, visually beautiful format. Families love that it’s all-in-one, easy to use, and has short, engaging lessons.
Sonlight Language Arts
Ages/Grades: Kindergarten through High School
Covers: Reading (literature), grammar, writing, spelling, and vocabulary
May Need to Add: Some families add extra grammar or structured writing practice
Format: Literature-based; teacher guides, discussion prompts, and writing assignments
Religious/Worldview: Christian (Protestant perspective)
Sonlight’s Language Arts curriculum is tied closely to its literature and history programs. Students develop reading comprehension, writing, and grammar skills through high-quality books and guided writing assignments.
All About Reading
Ages/Grades: Preschool through early elementary (Pre-Reading–Level 4)
Covers: Reading, phonics, fluency, and comprehension
May Need to Add: Writing, grammar, and vocabulary
Format: Multisensory, hands-on lessons using cards, letter tiles, and storybooks
Religious/Worldview: Secular
All About Reading is one of the most beloved phonics programs for beginning readers. It uses explicit instruction and multisensory activities to help kids decode words and build fluency. You’ll need to pair it with a writing or grammar program to complete language arts.
Dash into Learning
Ages/Grades: Ages 3–7 (beginning readers)
Covers: Reading and phonics
May Need to Add: Grammar, spelling, writing, and vocabulary
Format: Illustrated readers and activity workbooks
Religious/Worldview: Secular
This beautifully illustrated program helps early learners build confidence through phonics stories and short reading lessons. It’s a gentle, story-based approach perfect for young readers or kindergartners just starting out.
Moving Beyond the Page
Ages/Grades: PreK through Middle School
Covers: Reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary (integrated through literature units)
May Need to Add: Optional spelling practice if desired
Format: Literature-based unit studies available in print or online
Religious/Worldview: Secular
Moving Beyond the Page takes a literature-rich, project-based approach to language arts. Students read quality books and complete writing and grammar lessons inspired by the stories. It’s a great option for families who want an integrated, hands-on learning style.
Brave Writer
Ages/Grades: Elementary through High School
Covers: Writing and grammar (through copywork and mechanics)
May Need to Add: Reading, spelling, and vocabulary
Format: Online classes, writing guides, and parent-led lesson plans
Religious/Worldview: Secular
Brave Writer focuses on helping kids develop their voice and confidence as writers. It’s flexible, creative, and designed to nurture a love of language through real-life writing projects, copywork, and gentle coaching.
Explode the Code
Ages/Grades: Early elementary (Grades K–4)
Covers: Phonics, reading, and spelling
May Need to Add: Writing, grammar, and vocabulary
Format: Print workbooks or online program
Religious/Worldview: Secular
Explode the Code is a time-tested phonics program that teaches decoding and early spelling skills through simple, engaging workbook lessons. It’s often used alongside other reading or writing programs.
Logic of English
Ages/Grades: Early elementary through middle school
Covers: Reading, phonics, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and some writing
May Need to Add: Additional literature or composition for upper grades
Format: Print workbooks with teacher guides and manipulatives; some digital support
Religious/Worldview: Secular
Logic of English provides a full, phonics-based language arts program. It’s known for explaining why English spelling and grammar work the way they do, giving students the tools to become confident readers and writers.
Choosing the Right Fit
- For complete coverage (reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary): Try Abeka, The Good and the Beautiful, or Logic of English.
- For literature-based learning: Sonlight or Moving Beyond the Page are great choices.
- For strong writing focus: Essentials in Writing or Brave Writer pair well with a separate reading program.
- For early phonics foundations: All About Reading, Dash into Learning, or Explode the Code are excellent starts.
- For faith-based families: Abeka, The Good and the Beautiful, Sonlight, and My Father’s World all include Christian worldviews.
